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3.5 

Nervous Conditions

By Tsitsi Dangarembga
Nervous Conditions by Tsitsi Dangarembga digital book - Fable

Publisher Description

A modern classic from the Booker-shortlisted author of This Mournable Body

The groundbreaking first novel in Tsitsi Dangarembga’s award-winning trilogy, Nervous Conditions, won the Commonwealth Writers Prize and has been “hailed as one of the 20th century’s most significant works of African literature” (The New York Times). Two decades before Zimbabwe would win independence and ended white minority rule, thirteen-year-old Tambudzai Sigauke embarks on her education. On her shoulders rest the economic hopes of her parents, siblings, and extended family, and within her burns the desire for independence. She yearns to be free of the constraints of her rural village and thinks she’s found her way out when her wealthy uncle offers to sponsor her schooling. But she soon learns that the education she receives at his mission school comes with a price.

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1062 Reviews

3.5
“This is the first book by Tsitsi Dangarembga that I've read, and I absolutely loved it. She beautifully depicts various themes such as patriarchy, the effects of colonialism, grief, education, and self-awareness. What stood out for me was how little thought was given to mental health in earlier days, to the extent that it was believed Africans didn't suffer psychiatric tribulations as white people did. This was evident when Nyasha was taken to the hospital. It's also sad to see that postpartum depression in the African community was a silent monster, feared to be addressed. Oh my, the patriarchy depicted in this book is enough to infuriate one! How disheartening is it to work hard for your money but have no say in how it is spent? Why were educated women seen as loose and difficult to handle? Why did men view women as tools for strenuous domestic labor and childbearing, but nothing more? These oppressive dynamics are depicted in the book in the most captivating way. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Though it was medium-paced, it proved to be a truly worthy read.”
Loudly Crying Face““I was not sorry when my brother died. Nor am I apologising for my callousness, as you may define it, my lack of feeling. What an intro. Nervous conditions is a coming-of-age, thought provoking novel that gives insight on Women in post-colonial Rhodesia now Zimbabwe. The book explores themes of identity, culture, education, colonialism, gender roles, and resilience. The way Tambu lived through complexities of her own identity and the societal norms that governed her life was thought-provoking. The end was very abrupt but I've come to learn that there's a sequel. Do I want to continue this story now? I'll let this marinate”

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